Paresh Rawal Says There's Lobbying In National Awards, Oscars; Explains Whose Acknowledgement Matters To Him

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has always been known for his sharp insights, wit, and honesty when it comes to the film industry. In a new podcast appearance, the Hera Pheri star once again showcased his straightforwardness,

this time addressing one of Bollywood’s most debated topics - lobbying in award shows. The actor, who has been part of the film and theatre industry for decades, didn’t shy away from sharing his views on how the award culture functions not just in India, but even globally.

Paresh Rawal on lobbying in award shows

During a conversation with content creator and entrepreneur Raj Shamani, Paresh Rawal opened up about his perception of awards and why he doesn’t take them too seriously. He began candidly, “Award to mujhe to pata hi nahi hai. Ek baat main ye bhi bolun, National Award mein thoda bahut (lobbying) hota hoga. Utna nahi hai jitna baaki ke awards mein hota hai. Baaki ke award ki to baat karo ya na karo, koi farq nahi padta. National Award to National Award hai, reputed hai.”(I don’t even know much about awards. I’ll say this - there might be a bit of lobbying in the National Awards, but not as much as in other awards. The rest don’t matter much. The National Award is reputed.)The actor further made a striking statement by saying that lobbying happens even at the highest levels. “Lobbying to Oscar Awards mein bhi hoti hai,” he remarked. He went on to explain how it takes place - “Haan bhaiya, Raj ki picture hai. Chalo jitne academy ke jitne members hote hain sabko whip up kiya jaata hai.”

Paresh Rawal reveals which award matters to him

While many may see awards as a mark of validation, Rawal shared that true acknowledgment for him comes from a very different place. “Award itself is an acknowledgement by the fraternity. But mere liye fraternity kaun represent karta hai? Director. When director says cut, when writer says he is happy with my work, my award is received. There my drive, my urge, everything stops. I don’t want to look beyond that.”(For me, the fraternity is represented by the director and writer. When my director says cut, when my writer says he is happy with my work - that is my award. That’s where my drive, urge ends.)The veteran actor added that appreciation from a select few whose opinions he values deeply means the most to him. “Kyunki jitna mere director ko pata hai, jitna mere writer ko pata hai, jab unhone kar diya endorse, ‘Arre Paresh Rawal, behtareen,’ khatam ho gayi baat. Aur uske upar kuch gine chune log hain mere, jinmein main maanta hoon, wo agar keh dein ‘Arre kya baat hai,’ to sone pe suhaga ho jaata hai.”(No one knows as much as by director and writer. When my director or writer praises me, it ends there. And if a few people I truly respect also appreciate my work, that’s the icing on the cake.)Paresh Rawal’s honesty once again reflects his grounded nature and his dedication to his craft over external recognition.